Barnstaple Carnival set to make triumphant return

Barnstaple is gearing up for the return of its much-loved carnival after a five-year hiatus, which organisers have said was largely due to the pandemic and its aftermath. 

This autumn, the town will once again come alive with the vibrant spectacle of the annual parade, marking the closing stages of the historic Barnstaple Fair.

On Saturday, September 21, the festivities will kick off with a Carnival Village setting up camp around the Square and along the Strand. 

The village will feature a variety of stalls and attractions, alongside a programme of entertainment at the Millennium Mural on Queen Anne’s Walk. 

The main parade will set off from Taw Vale at 6pm.

This year’s carnival introduces two new features along the route: a performance area outside the Queen’s Theatre and a Quiet Sensory Area on North Walk for those who prefer a quieter experience. 

The event will conclude with a firework display at 8pm, viewable from Barnstaple Bridge, The Strand, and the embankment.

To support the carnival, organisers are calling on the people of Barnstaple to get involved. 

Entry forms for all classes, as well as details on booking spaces for stalls and attractions, can be found at www.barnstaplecarnival.org.uk. 

There is also a downloadable guide to assist those who want to participate but need some direction on where to start.

The team have said they are eager to welcome entries from surrounding towns and villages, with a new prize class introduced for visiting entries. 

Visiting Carnival Royalty are also invited to join the parade alongside Barnstaple’s chosen representatives. 

Details and entry forms are available on the carnival website.

Organisers have explained that volunteers are crucial to the event's success, and the carnival crew is looking for individuals to join as stewards. 

Stewards ensure the parade navigates the town safely and act as points of contact for the public. 

Interested individuals can email stewards@barnstaplecarnival.org.uk.

Businesses are also encouraged to support the event by helping to cover rising costs. Sponsorship packages are available, and businesses interested in showcasing their organisation on the day can contact scott@barnstaplecarnival.org.uk.

The revival of Barnstaple Carnival has been supported by Flourishing Barnstaple, a North Devon Council initiative aimed at developing cultural activity in the town. 

This initiative was made possible through support from the Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Co-Project Manager, Kev Behan, said: “The town’s fair week has been rudderless for the last couple of years and we hope with the resurgence of the annual parade it will ignite the creativity of the community and we further hope people will come out once more, either to take part, or in just to line the route to support the efforts of all those involved. It will be great to see the town getting back together!”

The Barnstaple Carnival returns on Saturday, September 21 at 6pm.